[Verse 1]
Oh, I am just a student, sir, and only want to learn
But it's hard to read through the rising smoke
From the books that you like to burn
So I'd like to make a promise and I'd like to make a vow
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 2]
Oh, you've given me a number and you've taken off my name
To get around this campus why you almost need a plane
And you're supporting Chiang Kai-Shek, while I'm supporting Mao
So when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 3]
I wish that you'd make up your mind, I wish that you'd decide
That I should live as freely as those who live outside
'Cause we also are entitled to the rights to be endowed
And when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 4]
Ooh, you'd like to be my father, you'd like to be my Dad
And give me kisses when I'm good and spank me when I'm bad
But since I left my parents I've forgotten how to bow
So when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 5]
And things they might be different if I was here alone
But I've got a friend or two who no longer live at home
And we'll respect our elders just as long as they allow
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 6]
I've read of other countries where the students take a stand
They've even helped to overthrow the leaders of the land
Now I wouldn't go so far to say we're also learning how
But when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 7]
So keep right on a-talking and tell us what to do
But if nobody listens my apologies to you
And I know that you were younger once
'Cause you sure are older now
And when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now

[Verse 8]
So I am just a student sir, and only want to learn
But it's hard to read through the rising smoke
From the books that you like to burn
So I'd like to make a promise and I'd like to make a vow
That when I've got something to say, sir, I'm gonna say it now